By Save a seat for an unforgettable evening of food, conversation, and community at Colorado’s biggest birthday bash
Longer Tables, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating connection and belonging through shared meals, is inviting Coloradans from every background to celebrate the state’s 150th birthday at the second annual Mile Long Table on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Main Campus Plaza at the National Western Center. The Mile Long Table is co-presented by Southwest Airlines and Serendipity Catering, and hosted by the National Western Center, alongside several other generous partners. Individual seats are available with a minimum donation of $5.28, and table hosting opportunities begin at $75.
Held as part of Colorado’s sesquisemiquincentennial celebrations, the Mile Long Table will bring together up to 5,280 people around one, mile-long table. It serves as the signature gathering of 150 Tables Across Colorado, a statewide campaign encouraging communities to host shared meals to commemorate this significant milestone and strengthening connection across the state.
“What better time than Colorado’s 150th birthday to invite people from all walks of life to pull up a chair at the Mile Long Table,” said Tim Jones, founder and executive director of Longer Tables. “When we sit down, face one another, eat and share our stories, it connects us like nothing can – and we believe this is what will create a flourishing Colorado for all of us.”
This annual community event enables attendees to share a meal, swap stories, and experience the kind of hospitality, neighborliness, and connection that helped shape Colorado from the very beginning. Guests will also experience engaging brand activations, learn about participating community partners, celebrate with live music and more.
Southwest Airlines returns as a co-presenting sponsor, continuing its partnership with Longer Tables to help create opportunities for meaningful connection across Colorado communities. Southwest is also providing select complimentary flight passes for family members and friends of registered participants to travel to Denver, so they can join in this year’s celebration.
“Connection is at the heart of what we do at Southwest, whether it’s bringing people together through travel or around a shared table,” said Lexi Muller, senior regional manager, community engagement at Southwest Airlines. “As we celebrate 20 years serving Denver, we’re proud to partner with the Mile Long Table to invest in the kind of community that makes this city so special.”
Inspired by Colorado’s agriculture heritage and western spirit, Serendipity Catering has crafted a western-inspired dinner menu that will feature Wrangler’s pulled BBQ chicken, BBQ jackfruit, chuckwagon potato salad, Olathe Sweet Corn succotash, and classic cornbread. Guests will also be treated to a slice of a Centennial state-themed birthday cake.
“Colorado has always been shaped by hardworking people, strong communities, and the traditions we share around the table,” said Laura Zaspel, president and chief executive officer at Serendipity Catering. “We’re proud to celebrate our state’s 150th birthday with a meal bringing thousands of neighbors together for an evening they’ll never forget.”
Everyone, including individuals, families, students, businesses, and organizations, are invited to participate in the Mile Long Table. Volunteer and partnerships opportunities are also available. Register for a seat, become a table host, or sign up to volunteer at https://www.milelongtable.org/.
Since 2013, Longer Tables has hosted shared meals in communities and organizations across the country to foster connection, belonging and collaboration. More than 10,000 guests have gathered at Longer Tables events, demonstrating the organization’s belief that bringing people together around the table can help build stronger, more connected communities.
